One Day in Bellagio from Milan

It is no mistake that Bellagio is called the “pearl” of Lake Como. It is undoubtedly the most famous resort on the lake. For centuries, Bellagio’s scenic location has enchanted artists and writers, not only from Italy, but also from abroad. It is situated on the tip of a headland that divides the lake into the two legs of Como and Lecco.

The town stretches along the coast and part of it goes up the slopes of the promontory.

Because of its location Bellagio has a great variety of views; indeed, it offers a good view of the whole lake. On the northern horizon one can see the Pre-Alps.

Some of the best views can be seen from the park of Villa Serbelloni and from the top of Monte San Primo. On a particularly clear day, one can make out the Alps, from Mont Blanc to the Ortles, and the Madonnina on top of the Duomo of Milan.

Both the historic center situated at a higher level dominated by the Romanesque Basilica Of San Giacomo (enlarged in the Baroque Age) and the more recent arcade lake-front are all preserved intact. Among the aristocratic villas let’s remember Villa Serbelloni, first castle, then country residence and transformed into villa at the end of the 15th century. Later once again restructured in the 17th and turned into a hotel during the last decade of the 19th century, it is presently appointed headquarters of conventions and study tours.